The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi FM in Niger State by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, describing it as not only a suppression of press freedom but an affront on democracy.
NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN, said the Governor’s decision to shut down the radio station without following due process was disappointing and a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Ojukwu noted that the consequences of suppressing press freedom are far-reaching and can lead to increased government opacity, reduced citizen participation as well as create obstacles to accountability, and weakening of democratic institutions.
“The arbitrary shutdown of media outlets undermines the checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy,” the Executive Secretary emphasised.
While calling on Governor Bago to immediately unseal the radio station and allow it to resume full operations, the Commission urged the Niger State Government to instead, channel allegations concerning any unconstitutional operations by the station to the appropriate authority and not act with impunity.
“This is both a moral imperative and a democratic requirement,” the Executive Secretary said.
Ojukwu who is also the president of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), urged governments to protect journalists and media freedom, foster a culture of tolerance, and support independent media.
He lamented that the media has severally come under attack in various forms, a situation he termed as unacceptable in a civilised society.
He called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to be firm in carrying out its statutory mandate, which he said must not be abused at any slight opportunity.
The Commission also urged media practitioners to be professional at all times to prevent needless censorship by political office holders.
